Category: Human Rights Training

Civil, human, and migrant rights continue to remain a great challenge across the globe. These rights are often violated leading to millions of victims every year. However, civil rights organizations have been set up to advocate for these rights and help make the society favorable to every human being. Early this year, directives given by Donald Trump and Steve Bannon thwarted these efforts.

The new American president signed an executive order that banned individuals from many Middle East countries from entering the United States. The ban did not provide special privileges to green card holders and Syrian refugees. Many rights groups opposed the directive. The executive order led to an immigration crisis with many travelers from the Middle East countries being detained for several days at the airports.

Migrant rights groups have responded to this situation by requesting for donation and support of sympathetic Americans to boost their activities. Charity organizations such as Lacey & Larking Frontera Fund have also contributed to different migrant rights organizations. These funds are used to launch campaigns against the government’s decisions and to provide basic needs to the victims.

In less than a week after the establishment of the campaigns, the rights groups had raised over $24 million from about 350,000 online donors. Notably, some organizations have played a pivotal role in enhancing the operations of human rights defenders.

The ACLU has been heavily involved in the immigration crisis. The rights group’s lawyers are offering pro-bono services to migrants to ensure they get quality legal representation. Its pro-bono services have helped in the release of several detained immigrants. ACLU’s efforts have also facilitated a federal judge to order a stay on the executive order.

The Black Alliance for Just Immigration has also played an important role in the crisis. The group educates and engages African American and black immigrant communities. These efforts ensure that the communities can defend themselves from racial, economic, and social injustices.

The immigrants are also receiving rights training and representation from the CUNY CLEAR. Previously, this organization focused its efforts on Muslims targeted by law enforcement officers. Recently, they expanded their operations to include individuals affected by the executive order. Families for Freedom is also another organization that has been on the forefront of championing for the rights of immigrants in the United States, especially those facing deportation.

The two journalists raised $3.75 million from a settlement paid to them for their wrongful arrest by Sheriff Joe Arpaio in 2007. The group is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The have funded groups advocating for freedom of speech and civic participation.